Seeing a specialist — a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon or psychologist — starts with one document: a referral from your GP. Without it, most specialists won't book you in, and Medicare won't contribute to the fee.
Here's how specialist referrals work in Australia: who can write one, how long it lasts, what Medicare covers, common problems like expired referrals — and how to get a new one online the same day.
Need a specialist referral? An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you online and issue one digitally — from $25.
Get a Specialist Referral Online ($25)What Is a Specialist Referral?
A specialist referral is an official document written by your GP asking a medical specialist to assess or treat you. It gives the specialist the background they need — your medical history, current symptoms, medications and any test results — so your first appointment isn't spent starting from zero.
A valid GP referral is what makes you eligible for Medicare rebates on specialist consultations.
Your specialist reports back to your GP, keeping one doctor across the full picture of your care.
Referrals can generally be taken to any qualified specialist within that field — the choice is yours.
Online referrals are issued electronically and sent by SMS or email, ready to forward to the clinic.
How Long Is a Specialist Referral Valid in Australia?
Validity depends on who writes it:
Key detail most people miss: the 12 months runs from the date of your first consultation with that specialist — not the date the referral was written. So if you get a referral in January but don't see the specialist until June, you're covered until the following June.
How Medicare Works with Specialist Referrals
With a valid referral, you can claim a Medicare rebate for each specialist consultation covered by that referral. Without one, you pay the specialist's full private fee.
- Medicare rebates typically cover part of the specialist's fee — most specialists charge above the rebate, so expect a gap payment.
- Ask the specialist's reception for their fee and the expected Medicare rebate when booking, so there are no surprises.
- If you hold a concession or are under a care plan, ask about bulk billing — some specialists offer it in specific circumstances.
How to Get a Specialist Referral Online in 3 Steps
- Book online: Choose the specialist referral service and tell the doctor briefly which specialist you need and why. (Book now).
- Talk to a GP: A phone or video consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor who assesses your condition and history. If a referral is clinically appropriate, they'll prepare it during or straight after the consult.
- Receive your referral: Sent digitally by SMS or email — forward it to the specialist's clinic and book your appointment.
Most requests are completed the same day. If you need blood tests or imaging before your specialist visit, the same GP can issue those referrals too — see our guides on blood test referrals and imaging referrals online.
Common Referral Problems (and Fixes)
Happens constantly with 12-month referrals. The fix is a quick renewal consult — a telehealth GP can issue a new one from $25, often the same day.
The issuing clinic can re-issue a copy. If your GP is hard to reach, a telehealth doctor can assess you and issue a fresh referral.
Referrals generally aren't locked to one named specialist — ask the issuing GP to address it "Dear Doctor" or to the relevant field so you have flexibility.
Ask your GP to refer to multiple specialists in the same field, and call around — public hospital outpatient and private options often differ by months.
Telehealth referrals are for non-urgent care. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness or difficulty speaking
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Any other medical emergency
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about specialist referrals in Australia.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
For a Medicare rebate, yes — a current GP referral is required. You can see most specialists privately without one, but you'll pay the full consultation fee yourself.
Can I get a specialist referral online?
Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you by phone or video and, if clinically appropriate, issue a specialist referral digitally — from $25 at NewTeleDoc Medical, usually the same day.
What happens if my referral expires mid-treatment?
You'll need a new referral before Medicare rebates continue. Book a renewal consult with a GP — telehealth makes this a quick, same-day fix.
Can I choose which specialist I see?
Yes. Referrals can generally be taken to any qualified specialist within that medical field. Ask your GP to write the referral flexibly (e.g. "Dear Doctor" rather than naming one practice) if you want options.
How much does an online specialist referral cost?
$25 flat at NewTeleDoc Medical — covering the GP's assessment and the digital referral. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
Get Your Specialist Referral Today
Skip the clinic queue. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you online and issue your referral digitally — from $25, same day.
Request a Specialist Referral ($25)